#streetstyleoftheweek
Tessa’s ensemble is evocative of 21st century Annie Hall, and we, for one, are impressed with her individuality! We found her at Revolver Consignment’s “Tap Into Tweed” event on Sunday, February 26
#bestdressed
the best etailers you haven’t been frequenting
The Internet is permeating more and more of our lives, why not our closets? Etailers have that rare ability to offer us a wide selection of apparel and accessories, without the overhead that comes with brick and mortars. What does that mean for the average fashionista? It means lower retail mark-ups, more sales, and cheaper shipping costs. The usual hesitations of online shopping are become obsolete, with many retailers even offering free return shipping, meaning all you need to complete your wardrobe, without braving the malls and boutiques, is a little patience! Here are some of the best we’ve found!
Our top pick: www.shopbop.com
Pros: where to even begin?! Free 3 day shipping, free return shipping, a lenient return policy and a vast collection of contemporary designers, from Diane Von Furstenberg to Theory to Alice + Olivia and literally HUNDREDS more. Based out of Wisconsin, the online retailer doesn’t charge sales tax or shipping, saving you from those pesky extraneous costs (which, for legal reasons, I should say, should be claimed on your tax return). Shopbop regularly offers hundreds of designer duds up to 30%, 50% and 70% off, so there are some real bargains to be found. The website also makes it easy to shop for specific articles of clothing. Your best friend just ask you to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, and it’s up to you to find the perfect dress? Just input “dresses” and the color family in which you are looking, and the site will narrow down its inventory within those parameters! In addition, Shopbop’s editorials and lookbooks are some of the most comprehensive and beautiful in the business, keeping fashion followers abreast of current and upcoming trends daily.
Cons: this site is not for the frugal fashionista. Most of its inventory does fall in the same price point as retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s, and Bergdorf. This site is not for the Forever 21 fashionista, but it is still worth trolling through their sales to find something truly special, and for investment pieces.
Our frugal fashionista pick: www.shopsosie.com
Pros: this retailer’s fabulous fare is dripping with whimsy. The romantic in you will love the apparel, the saver in you will appreciate the price point. The price point rivals your basic mall powerhouses like Express and The Limited, but the selection is more unique, and more boutique, than those larger retailers. Return policy is standard, 30 days undamaged, unworn and with tags attached, and shipping is free with a purchase of $75 or more.
Cons: the selection is limited. Shopsosie is an onlinle boutique, and as such, will not carry the immense selection of an online powerhouse like Shopbop.
Our bargain hunting pic: www.theoutnet.com
Pros: this site, brought to us by the folks at Net-A-Porter, carries hundreds of designers, but with ridiculous mark downs. Where does this retailer truly excel? Accessories. Pucci and Dior scarves, Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry, Tom Ford sunglasses, and Alexander Wang handbags, all at phenominal markdowns. In addition, the etailer consistently offers additional discounts, delivered right to your inbox. Standard shipping is relatively inexpensive as well, with standard ground starting at $4.95
Cons: the return policy includes a $7.95 return cost to the consumer. It seems petty to complain, but with so much competition springing up, it is fair to consider it a con. In addition, much of the merchadise feels undesirable, like the bottom of a sales bin at a designer outlet.
Our “across the pond” pic: www.asos.com
Pros: this British retailer offers fashion forward selections by the hundreds, with great sales and a wide array of price points. They ship to you and from you for free, allowing you to try the merchandise in the comfort of your own bedroom. Their return policy is a fairly standard 28 days. Best of all, they offer their merchandise in US pricing and sizing, eliminating the guess work for those who haven’t had the fortune/misfortune of overseas shopping!
Cons: having ordered from ASOS before, the only con we can find is that the merchandise isn’t always conveyed accurately. However, with such a flexible and inexpensive return policy, it’s a minor con at best.
Love the looks that accompanied this blog? Find links to them on my Pinterest page!
champagne colored lace dress c/o Eliza J; gray skinny belt c/o Dior; shoes c/o Boutique 9; necklace c/o Etsy
studded sheer top c/o Fab’rik, Japanese twill brown/black skinny jeans c/o J Brand, watch c/o Bulova, earrings c/o Bebe, snakeskin brown and black pumps (not pictured) c/o Rampage
